Flights to Glendale, Los Angeles from NT$3,234

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Glendale. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a stress-free experience if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, medications and perhaps a neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your legs and feet moving.

Being prepared before your flight will make your getaway to Glendale a piece of cake. Below are some handy tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.